Supervisor kicks off candidacy for Pike magisterial judge seat

Paul Menditto announced his candidacy for Pike County magisterial district judge at a press conference Feb. 4 at the Bushkill Inn and Conference Center.

SUSAN JORSTAD

Paul Menditto announced his candidacy for Pike County magisterial district judge at a press conference Feb. 4 at the Bushkill Inn and Conference Center.

Steve McBride, who currently holds the position, is retiring after 18 years of service.

Menditto, who has been a public servant for 20 years, is in his 10th year as Lehman Township supervisor. The position of magesterial district judge is a six-year term and full-time position. If elected, Menditto would resign from his current position as Lehman supervisor, which goes through 2015.

Previously, he was on the Lehman Township Planning Commission for 10 years, and was president of Pocono Ranchlands Property Owners Association for three years.

"Dealing with all those people for years, I've come up with sound decisions that are fair. I feel that life experience means I'm going to be a good magisterial district judge," he said. Menditto is not an attorney, but Pennsylvania's constitution does not require attorneys to hold the position of magisterial district judge, and many in the seat are not attorneys.

"It's the old justice of the peace type judge," said Menditto. "To qualify for that seat, you either need to be an attorney or to attend a monthlong class in Harrisburg and pass a grueling four-hour test, and I have done that. I am qualified and certified to hold that office."

Menditto said he can crossfile, just like schoolboard candidates, and would need 100 validated signatures from each party during the Feb. 19 to March 12 period.

Primary elections will be held May 21.

"When people go to court, regardless of what case they have that a magisterial district judge can hear, that is one of the most important things going on in their lives at that moment," Menditto said. "As a common person, I can relate to that everyday person in a way that an attorney can't. In some cases, a person does not need to be represented by an attorney and may not know how the process works. It's better to have a regular person as magisterial district judge. If a regular person goes to a judge who is an attorney and is not represented by an attorney, it may be a disadvantage."

Menditto says he decided to run after being approached by numerous people in the community, including an attorney, on the idea.

"I feel the position requires somebody who can evaluate the truthfulness of the people who come before him," he said. "I feel I can do that with my experience. I also feel it's important for people to be treated with fairness and respect."

Menditto will hold a petition kickoff party at Bushkill Inn at 7 p.m. on Feb. 19.

"I have gotten nothing but support from my family and my friends and acquaintances. We've had two campaign meetings already. The first one was two weeks ago and I was pleasantly shocked at how many people — over 40 — attended the meeting. I believe I have a tremendous amount of support and a lot of people who will help me get me elected, and I'm humbled by that."